I run down the hall and out the door, heading back to the subway station. I take it to the stop closest to Swank. I can try to talk to the landlord tomorrow. Right now, I need a drink and a friend.
I wasn’t even thinking about finding Bobby. I’m not the kind of girl with rescue fantasies because in my world, that shit doesn’t come true.
But the moment I push through the door, a strong arm wraps around my waist and Bobby pulls me back against him. “Hold up there, doll. Is everything okay? Have you been crying?”
Even though last night the situation with Bobby stressed me out, something in me relaxes now.
I turn in his arms and fail at a smile. “Just a bad day. I could really use a drink.”
“Let’s get you one, then.” Bobby takes my elbow in that take-charge way of his and leads me toward the bar. The moment we arrive, the bartender is there. “The usual, Mr. Manghini?”
“Yeah, and whatever Lexi wants. She’s on my tab for the night. I want you to take very good care of her, understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Two shots of Cazadores,” I order.
Bobby raises his brows. “That bad?”
I try to wipe the misery from my face but probably don’t manage.
“Listen, no strings with the drinks, baby,” Bobby says in a low voice to me. “I had a great time last night, but there’s no pressure. I get the feeling you didn’t come here to see me tonight.”
“No. I mean”
“It’s all right.” His eyes crinkle. The bartender appears with our drinks, and he picks his up. “I’ll give you some space.”
“No, it’s okay.” I grab one shot and down it, biting into the lime to quench the shudder. “I just have to talk to Gina.” I pick up the second shot, but Bobby places his hand over mine to stop me from downing it. “And then I would love to talk to you. I mean, if you wanted to talk. Oh.” My face heats. “Maybe you don’t want to talk.” Maybe he just wants sex.
“Slow down, doll. Take a breath.” He looks around. “Here comes your friend now.”
Gina struts over, carrying her empty cocktail tray. It never ceases to amaze me that she can stand all night in three-inch heels, but as usual, she’s rocking them with a short skirt.
“I’ll let you two talk,” Bobby says smoothly, leaving before I can answer.
“Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were headed home.”
Even in my crappy mood, I have to admire her new hairstyle. I did a kick-ass job with it, and she looks great. Hopefully, the photos will get me that job.
“I got evicted,” I blurt as soon as I check to make sure Bobby’s out of earshot. “I’m locked out. I feel like such a loser.”
“Shit.” She gives me a hug. “I’m sorry. Well, you can definitely crash on my couch.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you want the key now?”
I find myself searching the lounge for Bobby’s broad shoulders. He’s gone back to the high-top near the door where he must’ve been when I came in. There are a couple of younger guys there who also look like they belong in the Family with a capital F.
Our gazes lock across the club like he’d been waiting for me to look over. I raise my hand and give a shy wave.
“Mm… maybe after I’ve had a drink or two,” I answer Gina without looking away from Bobby, who is now headed toward me. My entire body turns on like he’s the electrical current, and I just got plugged in.
“Of course. Or maybe you’ll find a better offer.”
“I…That’s not why I came here,” I sputter like I’m defending myself to some invisible person judging me right now. Of course, that invisible person is me.
“Let him take care of you. Is that so hard?”
“Shhh. He’s coming over.”
Bobby arrives, and Gina starts selling me again. “Lexi just gave me this cut and color.” She shakes out her hair. “She did it for her portfolio.”
Bobby raises his eyebrows as if he’s genuinely interested. But he can’t be. No guy ever gives a crap about what I do. “Oh yeah? What’s the portfolio for?”
I nibble my lower lip. “I’m applying for this training job. It’s posted nationally, so I probably don’t have much of a chance, but it’s worth a shot.”
He nods. “Well, if all the styles in your portfolio look as good as yours and Gina’s, I would say you do have a good chance. Not that I’m an expert on women’s hair.”
I like the way his eyes crinkle at the corners, the dark lashes making the brown liquid pools look warm and inviting. The way my belly flutters when he looks at me.
“Well, I’d better get back to work.” Gina tucks her tray under her arm. “Are you both all set on drinks?”
I haven’t touched the second shot yet. Bobby told me to slow down, and for some reason, it seems I want to please him. “I’m good, thanks.”
“Me too.”
I find myself leaning forward, wanting a whiff of Bobby’s cologne. To feel the heat of his body. As if he knows, he steps closer.
“You two talk about the sugar daddy thing. I think it could work.” Gina drops a wink before she departs.
Bobby considers me. “I’m all in, doll. I told you that last night. If you want to be spoiled a little, I’m your guy.”
The flesh between my legs tugs upward. All the shame and despair over getting evicted lifts away, is replaced by heat. Interest. Desire.
What do I have to lose, really? A sugar daddy could solve my immediate problems if this is for real. “What would your expectations be of me?”
His eyes darken, and he steps closer, draping an arm across the back of my barstool. “The mere fact that you asked tells me you’re the right girl for me.”
I try to decipher his meaning as my pulse races at his nearness. I catch the pleasant scent of his cologne, and it takes me back to the pleasure we shared last night.
“It’s pretty simple, Lexi. I would expect you to be at my beck and call, available any time I please. That doesn’t mean you won’t have time to yourself. You will. I’m a busy man.”
I swallow, my panties dampening at the idea of being his sexual servant. “And what exactly would you offer in return?”
Bobby’s thumb lightly traces lines on my shoulder. “I’ve got a nice apartment where you can live. I’ll take you out and treat you right. Give you spending cash. How does that sound?”
Our eyes lock. Heat pools in my core, traveling up until my face grows warm. My breath rises and falls in a rapid rhythm.
“Would I be living with you?”
“No, doll. I have my own place. It would be your pad. It’s luxemy company renovated the place, so it has all the bells and whistles. Jacuzzi bathtub. Big kitchen. Rooftop pool. Gym.”
I’m getting lightheaded at the mere possibility. This really could solve all my problems. I mean, I’m literally homeless right now, and I may not even have access to any of my things if my ex-landlord is a dick about it.
I swallow. “I-I’d like that.”
“Yeah?” His lids droop, and he slides his hand around my nape, stroking the sensitive skin there. “I’m glad. You seem perfect for me.” He leans closer and speaks in a low, rumbling voice, “But you should know, I would use you however I want, whenever I want. And I demand fidelity. No other men.”
“What about women?” I ask, just to see what he’ll say.
He seems to know I’m testing. He quirks a smile. “Only if I get to watch.”